News

My name is Harlyn Heitshusen, the 17-year-old daughter of Willis and Cindy Heitshusen. I live outside of Urbana, Iowa on my family’s horse and cattle ranch. This following school year I will be a senior at Center Point-Urbana Highschool. Once I graduate I plan to attend Iowa State University, to study Biomedical Engineering, with a minor in Criminal Justice.

Emily Ingalls is the daughter of Loren and Patricia Ingalls. She has two older brothers, Aaron and Tristan and her older sister Machaela. She lives outside of Van Horne and attends Benton Community. Emily is 18 and in the fall she will be attending Iowa State University, majoring in early childhood education to become a preschool teacher. Emily is actively involved in 4-H and FFA.

My name is Annabelle Newton, daughter of Chad and Kim Newton. I have one sister, Sophia, that is 13. My family and I live outside of Vinton on a small family farm. I am a junior at Vinton-Shellsburg High School. While my plans for after graduation are still undecided, I hope to attend a university to study business or physical therapy.   Within the community, I have been a part of the Jackson Better Farmers 4-H Club for 8 years, and have exhibited swine, rabbit, and static projects during this time as well as holding several offices.

The Class of 2022 held their graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the Garrison Fieldhouse (Vinton-Shellsburg High School Gym).Jozee White began the graduation ceremony with a welcome. She talked to her fellow graduates and encouraged them that as they write their life stories, to always choose, happiness, peace, and kindness over everything else.

The construction of a roundabout on Iowa 150 near the 31st Avenue and 55th Street intersection is expected to begin May 31, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s New Hampton construction office. During construction, access from Iowa 150 to 31st Avenue and 55th Street will be closed. A marked detour will be in place using Interstate 380 and Iowa 150.

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have gone before us. We remember our military men and women many we’ve lost in the line of duty, or because if their service. Hopefully we take our kids to the cemetery to visit the resting places of their ancestors. Take a few hours this weekend to remember them. Share stories with the next generation about the generations that they never met.

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is pleased to announce Wells Fargo has renewed their contribution to support financial literacy educational programs for 787 Eastern Iowa students. Through this partnership, kindergarten through 12th grade students will learn about money recognition, earning and saving, the importance of money to a city, about the jobs they can have to support their families, about credit, and investing.

The Vinton Community Foundation is announcing the distribution of $27,367.60 in grants to the following organizations serving the City of Vinton. Local Option Sales Tax Fund & Vinton Community Foundation - $22,335.60 Act I of Benton County   Equipment for “flying” special effects for Mary Poppins Vinton Early Learning Center   Purchase 2 rocking chairs for infant room Old School Produce Partners  Replacement of sunshade of the high tunnel (shelter growing structure) Vinton Presbyterian Church   Senior Grocery Program Vinton Shellsburg Community School District   Operation Backpack Vinton Shellsburg Community School District   Sundown Mountain Ski Resort day for 5th graders George G Luckey Post 57   Repair of shingles from damage of the 2022 tornado Vinton Shellsburg   Post Prom Entertainment for Post Prom Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa   Program supplies Pink Heals of Eastern Iowa   Purchase an AED to carry in the pink firetruck Wesley United Methodist Church   Purchase food for the food pantry Vinton Shellsburg Community School District  Mentor Program for kids in K-5 th grade Benton County Family Nurturing Council   Purchase books for Dolly Party Imagination Library to give away   Small talk program which teaches families to improve parent-child conversations.

The 4th Street Diner is looking for local donations of fresh rhubarb for the meal program.  For more information please call 319-472-4761 ext 2008.

Vinton-Shellsburg Retirees and Award Winners were honored at a public open-house reception on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at the Central Office.Mindy McClintock began the presentations by recognizing the 2021 VSEA Award Winners.This year there were two Teachers of the Year recognized, Stephanie Miller and Alexa Francois. Mind McClintock, President of the Vinton-Shellsburg Education Association.